Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals for Italian champions Juventus to end 2018 with a 2-1 win over Sampdoria giving the Italian champions a new record of 53 points before the winter break. Ronaldo curled in the opener after just two minutes in Turin adding a second from the penalty spot after 66 minutes, putting the Portuguese top of Serie A's scoring charts with 14 goals. Fabio Quagliarella pulled Sampdoria level with a penalty after 33 minutes, with the visitors having a late Riccardo Saponara goal ruled offside after consultation with the VAR (video assistant referee).
Juventus open up a 12-point lead at the top of Serie A ahead of Napoli who can reduce the gap when they host Bologna later on Saturday.
The seven-time reigning champions also have a record number of points before the three-week winter break with 53 from 19 games.
Ronaldo told Sky Sports Italia:
"The team is doing very well, we had an excellent first half to the season, now we have to keep working to ensure we keep this form in the second half of the season.
"I like VAR because these are difficult decisions for a referee and we should welcome anything that makes his job easier."
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